what are Instagram's trial Reels, and should you be using them?

If you’ve heard about “trial Reels” on Instagram and weren’t sure what they are or why people are talking about them, you’re in the right place. This feature has been around for a few months now. So, let’s break it down in plain terms and talk about how it might be helpful for your Instagram strategy.

so, what is a trial Reel?

A trial Reel simply is a way to test your video content on Instagram without posting it to your followers. Instead, Instagram shows it to a group of users who don’t follow you. This gives you a way to see how well your content connects with new viewers before you decide whether to share it more widely. It’s a helpful option if you’re curious about how something might do, but not ready to commit to a full post.

why it could be worth trying

Instagram says that after using trial Reels, 40% of creators ended up posting more often, and 80% of them saw an increase in reach from people who didn’t follow them. That’s a pretty strong case for trying it, especially if you want to grow your audience.

tips for using trial Reels

You can share up to 20 trial Reels a day, which is more than most of us will ever need. You can even reuse older Reels and see how they perform with new viewers. If something does well, you can turn it into a regular post that shows up for your followers, too. 

what to try next

If you have access to trial Reels, try posting one or two this week. See what kind of content gets views or engagement, and use that to guide what you share more widely. If you don’t see the option yet, make sure your account is set to “professional.” Instagram is still rolling it out, but that gives you the best chance of getting it. Whether you’re experimenting with a new format or just want to see what sticks, trial Reels are a low-pressure way to get started!

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